2026 Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra Gala
Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra
Young Artists Gala
Government House Ballroom
February 22nd 3pm 2026
(doors open at 2:30pm)
An exciting showcase of Western Australia’s brightest young talents and a celebration of Community Arts at its best.
Featuring sensational
MetSO Artists : Audrey Jarvis (violin), Ellie Malonzo (violin), Charis Postmus (soprano),
MetSO Young Artists: Caitlynn Cheng (violin), Monica Rallabhandi (violin) & Emily Saito-Noble (piano),
Guest soloist, MetSO Conductor and world-renowned violinist Ronald Thomas AM,
MetSO Featured Artist : Yana Burova - violin virtuoso,
Also featuring acclaimed concert pianists Lydia Lai & Jonathan Bradley,
MetSO Conductors Hannah Herriman and MetSO Distinguished Conductor Bruce Herriman
Plus MetSO On the Podium Conductors : Stuart Rhine-Davis & Joshua Sumich
In addition, performances from our friends -
Choir - Echoes of Ukraine :
Alina Chornoruk, Tetiana Durytska, Olga Hurina, Valentyna Kryachok, Diana Kulyk, Sam Lander (Choir Conductor), Sasha Maliarova, Nataliia Manchur, Olena Moreva, Bohdan Mykytiuk, Marta Osoba-Buttrose (Choir Founder/Director), Maria Prunitsa, Halyna Scanlon, Viktoriia Serdiuk, Tetiana Shvets, Anna Trofymova & Olena Yukhymets.
An electric program from an exceptional showcase of West Australian & International musical talent.
Plus of course
our fantastic
MetSO Ensembles
including :
Metropolitan Symphony “MetSO”,
MetSO Chamber &
MetSO Intermediate (MISO)
MetSO Gala Feb 22nd
Full Orchestral Players List
Violin Tania Aitken, Catherine Allen, Isabella Bruechle, Mark Bruechle, Sarah Butler, Samantha Chan, Sarah Cranfield, June Creagh (MetSO Chamber Concertmaster), Roland Dankbaar, Joanne Dickson, Mali Holland, Gavin Holz, Marianne Holzherr, Emily Huynh, Lilly Huynh, Annie Lai, Julia Leigh, Nathaniel Linggadjati, Sally Meehan, Dorothy Miles, Katherine Morley, Pam Pougnault, John Peiris (MetSO Concert Master), Claire Pullin, Celeste Quin, McKenzie Richardson, Calvin Rivalland, Jerome Rivalland, Barbara Symington, Anastasia Vlahos
Viola Ann Bray, Raymond Clee, Gina Hinwood, Darren Schwarz, Sophia Wong
Cello Sonia Barea, Lara Brand, Pip Fenton, Claire McKinnon, Judy Rule, Samantha Seah, Delia Stanley, Angela Summers, Christine Uy
Contrabass Darren Leigh, Ti-wan Porter
Flute Imogen Morgan, Hannah Smart
Oboe Andrew Battagel, Thomas Cianflone
Clarinet Andrea Brittan, Elizabeth Campbell
Bassoon Rachel Harmer, Amy Thomson
Horn Paul Arney, Inez McGinley, Sandra McKenna
Trumpet Wallace Cowling, Nick Robinson
Trombone Nicki Armstrong, Sam Lander
Tuba John Parker
Piano Cathy Holz
Timpani / Percussion Lexi Brindley, Brodie Grigg, Stuart Rhine-Davis, Ethan Yip
Plus, The Pelletier Trio
Charlotte, Irene & Thomas Pelletier
Our MetSO Young Artist recipients for 2026 will be announced at this special event.
Additional Program Notes
Echoes of Ukraine: A Choir of Resilience and Hope
Echoes of Ukraine is a choir born out of a need to support those displaced by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Renowned for their love of culture, Ukrainians have shown the world their strength and determination through music, art, and dance. Music has the power to bring together people of different ages and backgrounds, supporting them through various stages of their life’s journey.
Supporting New Arrivals
Supporting our new arrivals during this difficult time, even in this small way, is both an honour and a privilege. The choir’s journey began when a friend requested help in finding singers for a fundraiser for Ukraine. Organizing such an event was daunting, but during the Twilight Market for the Rotary Club, a group of Ukrainians spontaneously started singing. Seizing the moment, I invited anyone who wanted to sing to join a get-together. From that call out, Echoes of Ukraine was born.
Raising Awareness Through Music
Since its inception, the choir has participated in numerous festivals, rallies, and concerts, bringing awareness to the greater community about Ukraine and its current plight. Our members include people displaced by the war, earlier immigrants, and those born in Australia.
A Community United
Echoes of Ukraine is more than just a choir; it is a community united by a shared love for music and a commitment to supporting each other through challenging times. We are proud to share our culture and stories with the world, one song at a time.
More on Echoes of Ukraine’s performance items :
“Cheremshyna”
is a gentle, romantic Ukrainian song set in a peaceful rural landscape. It paints a picture of springtime: cuckoos calling in the forest, swallows nesting under the eaves, and a shepherd leading his sheep to water. Nature is in full bloom, especially the bird cherry trees, which symbolize beauty and renewal.
Overall, the song blends nature, love, and tradition, celebrating the tenderness of rural life and the emotional purity of young love.
Kolyskova – Lullaby
Composer: Myroslav Skoryk
This evocative lullaby by renowned Ukrainian composer Myroslav Skoryk—who once called Australia home—captures a mother’s quiet strength during wartime. Through gentle storytelling, she shields her child from the sounds of conflict, weaving memories of her own childhood to bring comfort and calm. As the song unfolds, it carries a powerful message of hope: that peace will return to Ukraine, and all will sleep safely once more.